Overview

• A Turkish court has formally jailed Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu on corruption charges, while a separate terror-related investigation remains ongoing.
• Imamoglu, a prominent opposition figure, denies all charges and has called the actions politically motivated to sideline him ahead of the 2028 presidential election.
• Protests have spread to over 55 provinces, marking the largest demonstrations in Turkey in more than a decade, with heavy police responses including tear gas and water cannons.
• The Republican People's Party (CHP) has officially nominated Imamoglu as their 2028 presidential candidate, with millions participating in a symbolic vote of solidarity.
• International organizations and foreign governments have condemned the arrest, citing concerns over democracy, judicial independence, and the rule of law in Turkey.